Cylindrical one-piece elastomer ring cover with dome

ABSTRACT

The main embodiment presents a cylindrical elastomer ring cover protecting a ring while worn on a finger with a dome that houses the protrusion of the gemstone. There is visibility of the rings in cavity of the ring cover when manufactured with transparent Silicone. When manufactured with food grade Silicone it is not transparent but translucent and in many colors. The Silicone provides the stretchability or softness (durometer) for ease of placing on fingers and over rings and holding rings on finger during active conduct.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of provisional patent applicationSer. No. 61/414,628, filed 2010 Nov. 17 by the present inventors whichis incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND Prior Art

The following is a tabulation of some prior art that presently appearsrelevant:

U.S. Patents Patent Number Kind Code Issue Date Patentee 6,481,244 B12002 Nov. 19 Wright 7,654,111 B2 2010 Feb. 2 Alley et al. 6,023,786 2000Feb. 15 Burnett 4,377,079 1983 Mar. 22 Krueger

Patent Literature Publication Dow Corning® Silastic® LC Series LiquidSilicone Rubber for High Volume Manufacturing, Product Selection Guide©2006, Dow Corning Corporation

Typically an individual's most valuable piece of jewelry, both in termsof monetary and sentimental value is a ring, more specifically but notlimited to engagement gemstone rings and wedding bands. Rings are keptthroughout a lifetime and handed down to next generations. Everydaywear, work activities and active conduct (such as sports, hobbies suchas gardening and beach activities) damage rings. Some such damage iscaused by abrasives (such as dirt and sand), chemicals (such aschlorine, bleach and cleaning products) and oils (such as suntan andbody lotions). My cylindrical one-piece elastomer ring cover with domecovers and protects rings while on a wearer's finger from such damage.

These rings include gemstones that protrude away from the body of thering. It is the most valuable part of the ring. These gemstones are ofdifferent sizes (carats) and shapes (cuts) and varying heights ofprotrusion. If a wearer with a gemstone engages in active conduct it isat risk of coming dislodged. With this protrusion exists a need for aconcave covering. Said ring cover has an oval dome that provides aconcave covering for gemstones and their protrusion.

The ring bands (also known as guards) are of various widths. These bandsoften contain gemstones. In today's jewelry market there exist bandswith gemstones on the underside and sides of bands in addition to top ofbands requiring more protection to such delicate and valuable jewelry.Said ring cover's width will cover, but not limited to, 2 bands plus agemstone ring.

Ring sizes are specified by jeweler ring sizing. The ISO (InternationalOrganization for Standardization) standard for ring sizes is ISO8653:1986, which defines standard ring sizes in terms of the innercircumference of the ring measured in millimeters. In the United States,ring sizes are specified using a numerical scale, with quarter and halfsizes. These jeweler sizes correspond directly to cylindrical one-pieceelastomer ring cover with dome sizes: jeweler sizes 3-4 are Xtra Small,jeweler sizes 5-6 are Small, jeweler sizes 7-8 are Medium, jeweler sizes9-10 are Large, jeweler sizes 11-12 are Xtra Large.

With the sentimental value of the rings exists the need for transparencyof the elastomer material it is manufactured from. The wearer(especially new) needs to see their rings beneath the cover to beassured of their safety, to proudly display rings beauty and to beinconspicuous in the workplace. Highly transparent Silicone is mycontemplation for this embodiment. In cases where the wearer does notneed to see the rings beneath the cover, food grade Silicone providesthe same high performance but manufactured in over 1300 beautifulPantone® colors for protection and wearing enjoyment.

With today's technological advances in the manufacture of elastomers, itmakes Silicone the perfect solution for my 2 embodiments. Silicone is astretchy, soft elastomer material that enables ease of placement onfinger and over rings. This is especially important in today's fastpaced lifestyles. The silicone strength eliminates tear when stretchedover protruding gemstone and ring bands and then rebounds back tocover's original shape. Cylindrical one-piece elastomer ring cover withdome far surpasses prior art in regards to structure and material.

a) Silicone is hypo-allergenic, no pores to harbor bacteriab) Silicone protects and insulatesc) Silicone has excellent sealing performanced) Silicone withstands temperature extremes, chemicals and solventse) Silicone is resistant to age, sunlight and moisturef) Silicone is flexibleg) Silicone has stability at high temperaturesh) Silicone is comfortablei) Silicone is durablej) Silicone rebounds quicklyk) Silicone is tear resistantl) Silicone (Medical Grade) is transparentm) Silicone adjusts to various ring widthsn) Silicone is inexpensive to manufactureo) The selection of Pantone® Matching Color System® color selectionprocess provides security in selecting colors for the rings.

In view of the foregoing, said ring cover is the solution to ringprotection, usage, comfort and structure. It accommodates the varioussizes and shapes, protrusions and widths of rings. In view of the strongsentimental value its high transparency permits wearer to view theirbeautiful samples of love beneath said ring cover.

Other advantages will be apparent from a consideration of the drawingsand ensuing descriptions.

SUMMARY

In accordance with 2 embodiments an elastomer ring cover comprises acylindrical one-piece construction, with centered (lengthwise) concaveoval dome. Manufactured by injection molding process using Siliconematerial with transparent and color capabilities. It easily passes overwearer's finger and rings to comfortably encircle the rings tocompletely cover and protect and aid in holding the rings upon thefinger.

Description of Prior Art

Previously, ring covers or protectors prevented a person's rings whileon their finger from slippage or coming off the finger completely. Whilethis prevented possible loss it did not thoroughly protect the ring fromdamage, chemicals and abrasives. During activities, rings are subjectedto possible damage, sweat, water, lotions, chemicals and abrasives suchas dirt and sand.

Several types of rings covers/protectors have been proposed—for example,in U.S. Pat. No. 7,654,111 B2 (2010), U.S. Pat. No. 6,481,244 B1 (2002),and U.S. Pat. No. 6,023,786 (2000). These are all made of various clothand elastic materials. Cloth and elastic material is not a good materialto use because of its many disadvantages:

a) Cloth materials can rip easily during activities. The layers ofmaterials can become caught on objects destroying the ringcovers/protectors and harm can come to the rings including thegemstones.

b) Cloth materials when in contact with liquids such as water, saltwater, chlorinated water and drinks can cause the material to stretchmaking it less effective in retaining its shape or seal.

c) Cloth materials have pores that can harbor bacteria.

d) Cloth materials do not insulate.

e) Cloth materials are not resistant to age or moisture such as sweat.

f) Cloth materials in previous patents named are not transparenttherefore the rings beneath cannot be seen. In some work environmentsring covers/protectors are best not seen by clients or customers ofwearer.

Prior art is comprised only partially of elastomer materials whichlimits stretch wherein cylindrical one-piece elastomer ring cover withdome is comprised wholly of elastomer material providing completestretch of ring cover.

Some prior art have separated ends making it possible for dirt andchemicals to get inside and damage rings. Wherein cylindrical one-pieceelastomer ring cover with dome is one-piece.

Prior art only partially house the gemstone attached to the ring. Domeof said ring cover completely houses the gemstone.

Prior art is only partially translucent wherein said ring covermanufactured with but not limited to Silastic® LC 2004 is highlytransparent. When said ring cover is manufactured with Silicone it istranslucent (not partially translucent).

DRAWINGS Figures

In the drawings, closely related figures have the same number butdifferent alphabetic suffixes.

FIG. 1-1A Shows perspective view of main embodiment ring cover on fingerof hand. 1A shows transparent said ring cover on finger of hand.

FIG. 2 Shows top view of main embodiment ring cover.

FIG. 3 Shows side view of main embodiment ring cover with gemstone ringinside.

FIGS. 4A-4B Show cross-section of main embodiment ring cover. FIG. 4Bshows 5 sizes of the ring covers, the corresponding diameters and cavityheights accordingly.

FIG. 5—Shows main embodiment cavity of Dome

FIG. 6—Shows main embodiment manufacture seams

FIG. 7—Shows second embodiment

Drawing - Reference Numerals  4 Seams  6 Thickness  8 Cavity 10 Ovaldome 12 Hand 14 Ring finger of left hand 16 Gemstone ring 18 Weddingband (guard) 20A South extension 20B North extension

As previously stated the highly transparent Silicone elastomer is mycontemplation for 2 embodiments. Specifically but not limited toSilastic® LC 2004 Series product from Dow Corning®. Said Silasticmaterial is highly transparent and has a high tear strength. One suchvariation among many is Xiameter® Brand liquid Silicone from DowCorning®. It is a liquid Silicone and would require an additional stepin the injection molding process. This is not cost effective. Howeverthe solid form is available from Dow Corning.

Silicone elastomer or rubbers are inorganic synthetic elastomers madefrom a crosslinked Silicone-based polymer reinforced with filler. Theyoffer unique chemical and mechanical properties that organic elastomerscan't match.

An elastomer is a polymer with the property of viscoelasticity(colloquially “elasticity”) generally having notably low Youngs modulus(measure of stiffness of an elastic material) and high yield strain(stress of material).

The hardness of elastomer material, or Shore A durometer, of these 2embodiments is 40 durometer in both transparent and translucent (foodgrade) Silicone. I chose 40 because it stretches with just the rightamount of stretch to bring ring cover over rings with ease. This 40durometer is preferred but not limited to 40 durometer. Durometer canvary from 20-70 and up.

Dow Corning® has a manufacturing plant in China that can supply thesolid Silastic® Silicone for the injection molding process. It has to besupplied from them as most China manufacturers don't carry hightransparent Silicone only translucent.

Specifically, but not limited to food grade Silicone is my contemplationfor the color said ring covers. Food grade Silicone is approved by theFDA for contact with food. Ring wearers come in contact with food whichmakes this a huge benefit for wearers.

Other elastomers include: Thermoplastic elastomers (TPE) aka.Thermoplastic rubbers, consisting of materials with both thermoplasticand elastomeric properties; Nitrile rubber; Neoprene or polychloroprenesynthetic rubber: other brand name Silicone materials.

Injection molding is the process used to manufacture cylindricalone-piece elastomer ring cover with dome. Injection molding process isdescribed: The injection molding process involves melting the plastic orSilicone for purpose herein, in an extrude and using the extrude screwto inject the material into a mold where it is cooled. Said ring coversare manufactured in 2 pieces, top with the dome and bottom. The bottomportion is where the printing can be put. After the 2 pieces are readythey are then melted together to form one-piece. There are 2 seals shownin FIG. 7.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION FIG. 1-1A—First Embodiment

The main embodiment of elastomer ring cover with oval done isillustrated in FIG. 1 (finger on hand view). This elastomer ring coveris worn on a finger 14. It is stretched upward and over gemstone rings16 and wedding bands (also know as guards) 18. The side extension fromdome 10 southward covering ring bands beneath is 20A. The side extensionfrom dome 10 northward covering ring bands beneath is 20B. Oval done 10shape extends east to west. The oval dome 10 covers gemstones thatprotrude upward from ring band. This oval dome 10 accommodates varioussizes of protrusions and various sizes of gemstone cuts (such asmarquis, oval, round, square).

FIG. 1 shows the manner of wearing and using the elastomer ring cover.FIG. 1A shows a wearer using a transparent cylindrical one-pieceelastomer ring cover with dome. When slid on the finger, the tubulararea that meets the ring first is the south tubular area 20A. Once saidring cover is in position next to the rings it is ready to be stretchedover the gemstone. The person squeezes the oval dome between thumb andfirst finger and stretches upward and over rings. Then adjust theunderside of elastomer ring cover till comfortably positioned over allrings FIG. 1. It does not matter which end you start to put ring on withas the dome is centered within the cylindrical tube and both sides(north and south of dome) are of equal width.

FIG. 2 First Embodiment

FIG. 2 shows a top view of elastomer ring cover not on a finger. Theeast to west oval shaped dome can be noticed 10. The north 20B and south20A, equal size tubular side extensions top view can be noticed. Ifelastomer ring cover is transparent then top of gemstone and bands willbe visible.

FIG. 3—First Embodiment

FIG. 3 shows a side view of said ring cover over rings and not on afinger. The side view of the gemstone 16 shows how the gemstone ispositioned inside oval dome 10 inside ring cavity 8 allowing for varioussizes and cuts of gemstones. It shows how the gemstone part of the ringis housed 8 in the dome for maximum protection and minimal friction ofthe ring cover.

FIG. 4A-4B First Embodiment

FIG. 4B is a chart that displays the 5 sizes of elastomer ring covers.They are based on jeweler ring sizes which are based on theInternational Organization of Standardization. The ISO standard for ringsizes is ISO 8653:1986, which defines standard ring sizes in terms ofthe inner circumference of the ring measured in millimeters. In theUnited States, ring sizes are specified using a numerical scale, withquarter and half sizes.

Cross-section of elastomer ring cover in FIG. 4A is a size 5-6 Small.The dimensions in FIG. 4A are related directly to FIG. 4B chart. The ISOring sizes are in the first column. Next column shows the correspondingcylindrical one-piece elastomer ring cover with dome sizes of the 2embodiments. The next column is finger diameter. This is the size ofdiameter around the finger that is holding the rings. The next column isthe cavity dimensions. The cavity dimensions in FIG. 4B is the convexarea where rings are housed, from the bottom of the inside of the ringcover to the top of the inside of the dome. In FIG. 4A shows inside ofelastomer ring cover size 5-6 and the concave inside of the oval dome10.

The thickness 6 of the silicone material of the cylindrical one-pieceelastomer ring cover with dome is 0.04 inches. In 2 embodiments thethickness is 0.04 inches typical in the complete said ring cover. Bythat is meant that in manufacture of the ring cover every part of thering is of the same 0.04 in. thick. This thickness is my contemplationfor 2 embodiments. It is thick enough for protection but at the sametime it is thin enough for comfortable wear. It is not bulky like priorart.

The 2 side extensions (north—toward finger nail and south-toward hand)provide for multiple ring bands on either or both sides of gemstonering. Various width sizes of ring bands are provided for in the presetlength of the said ring cover. Length of said ring cover is 0.75 inchesfor all sizes. This length is my contemplation for 2 embodiments but itis not limited to this length. This length is from knuckle to wherefinger meets hand.

The use of Silicone provides for transparency and also the manufactureof any color inventor wants to produce. The use of selecting a Pantone®color is beneficial to the manufacturer and inventor as there is noguesswork involved. The color is simply picked from a color system book.

FIG. 5 First Embodiment

FIG. 5 shows the cavity of said ring cover and how well it houses therings. The radius 0.19 is roughly half the thickness of the dome, andsince there are two halves melted together it gives the dome a roundedshape. Inside this dome and the cylindrical shape is the cavity 8.

FIG. 6 First Embodiment

FIG. 6 shows where the seams are in the product after manufacture. Theseseams are melted together in the injection molding process. These seamsare very strong.

FIG. 7 Second Embodiment

FIG. 7 shows second embodiment of cylindrical one-piece elastomer ringcover. This embodiment is without the oval dome. All specificationsapply of the first embodiment without the dome and in such the sideextensions. The cylindrical one-piece elastomer ring cover is the samelength 0.75 in as first embodiment. Without the dome there are noextensions. The sizes and durometer dimensions are same as mainembodiment diameter dimensions. This second embodiment is for ring bandsor flat rings without high protrusion gemstones.

CONCLUSIONS, RAMIFICATIONS AND SCOPE

Accordingly, the reader will see that the cylindrical one-pieceelastomer ring cover with dome and the various embodiments can be usedto cover and protect a wearers rings which include but not limited to,gemstone ring and ring bands (guards). If no gemstone ring is worn thenadditional embodiment of elastomer ring cover is appropriately chosen.

The reader will see that the Silicone is the superior solution oftoday's technology for coverage due to its many and vast advantages. Theuse of highly transparent Silicone enables coverage of rings withoutimpairing the ability to see the sentimental and monetary valuable ringsbeneath.

The reader will see that the artistically perfected shape of said ringcover providing flexibility of various sizes and shapes of rings. Anoval dome provides perfect housing for protrusions of gemstones. Thewide length is for covering multiple ring bands.

The reader will see the wearable comfort of said ring cover due to itsthin structure and lightweight material, that is still strong anddurable.

The reader will undoubtedly see the many solutions that said ring coverprovides a wearer.

Advantages

Accordingly several advantages of 2 embodiments are as follows: conformsto the various sizes of rings per jewelry store sizes as well as thevarious sizes of gemstones and their protrusions; with many outsidefactors that change our fingers daily, the expanding and contracting offingers, sweating and weight loss or gain, the superior moistureresistant silicone material is the solution; there is less friction ofthe ring cover substrate to the gemstone and its prongs, because of theoval dome; the 5 sizes gives the wearer comfort and the option ofwearing a tighter size to create waterproof sealing capabilities: rubbergloves won't rip when put on a wearers hand over rings. Gloves slip oversaid ring cover easily.

Although the descriptions in various embodiments contain manyspecifications, these should not be construed as limiting the scope ofthe embodiments. For examples;

-   -   The thickness of the Silicone can be made thicker.    -   The oval dome could be made to be any shape such as square or        heart shaped.    -   Other materials such as glitter or scents can be added to        Silicone during manufacture making it more marketable.    -   More sizes can be made such as XXLarge for jeweler size 13-14.    -   The side extensions can be made longer or shorter by changing        the cylindrical length.    -   An improved (future) elastomer can be used.        -   Furthermore, the elastomer ring cover has the additional            advantages in that:    -   The Silicone can be printed on and embossed making it        personalized.    -   Any color in the Pantone® Color Matching System® can be used.    -   Elastomer ring covers make it easy to put on rubber gloves while        rings are on finger, with out causing the gloves to rip.    -   Silicone is resistant to high temperatures, thereby, can        withstand the dish washer and clothes dryer.    -   Prevents scratching children with gemstone accidentally causing        harm to skin.

1. In a ring covering device to protect and cover ring bands andgemstone ring worn on a wearer's finger of hand during activity, theimprovement wherein said ring cover has a cylindrical one-piece shape,is an elastomer, more specifically Silicone and an oval dome to protectgemstones on ring.
 2. The ring cover of claim 1 wherein said body ofmaterial is composed of Silicone elastomer for visibility of ringsbeneath.
 3. The material of claim 2 is Silicone consisting of atransparent appearance.
 4. The Silicone material of claim 2 can also beof an opaque color appearance.
 5. The Silicone material of claim 2 isstretchy for ease of stretching said ring cover in an upward motion tocreate a larger cavity and then stretch over rings. When over rings itretains its original shape.
 6. The ring cover of claim 1 wherein saidcylindrical shape is of 5 different sizes in order to cover varioussizes of fingers and rings and be comfortable for wearer.
 7. The ringcover of claim 1 wherein said one-piece shape is formed by sealing withinjection molding heat sealing the top half portion that contains thedome with the bottom half portion that may or may not contain printinginto a cylindrical one-piece unit. The seals are strong.
 8. The ringcover of claim 1 wherein said oval dome with various heights covers theprotrusion of various sizes and shapes of gemstones connected to ring onfinger of hand.
 9. The ring cover of claim 1 wherein said cylindricalshape is a set length to cover ring bands on both sides of gemstonering.
 10. The ring cover of claim 1 where activity is defined aseveryday wear, work activities and active conduct, such as sports,hobbies such as gardening and arts, and beach activities.
 11. In a ringcovering device to protect and cover ring bands worn on a wearer'sfinger of hand during activity, the improvement wherein said ring coverhas a cylindrical one-piece shape, is an elastomer, more specificallySilicone and protects ring bands.
 12. The ring cover of claim 1 whereinsaid body of material is composed of Silicone elastomer.
 13. Thematerial of claim 2 is Silicone consisting of a transparent appearancefor visibility of rings beneath.
 14. The Silicone material of claim 2can also be of an opaque color appearance.
 15. The Silicone material ofclaim 2 is stretchy for ease of stretching said ring cover over ringsfor complete cylindrical coverage and comfortable wear.
 16. The ringcover of claim 1 wherein said cylindrical shape is of 5 different sizesin order to cover various sizes of fingers and rings and be comfortablefor wearer.
 17. The ring cover of claim 1 wherein said one-piece shapeis formed by sealing with injection molding heat the top half portionwith the bottom half portion, that may or may not contain printing, intoa cylindrical one-piece unit.
 18. The ring cover of claim 1 wherein saidcylindrical shape is a set length to cover multiple or wide ring bands.19. The ring cover of claim 1 where activity is defined as everydaywear, work activities and active conduct, such as sports, hobbies suchas gardening and arts, and beach activities.